MKP calls for reconsideration of governance expert appointment in Pietermaritzburg

The Umkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP) in the Moses Mabhida region (MMR) wants the KwaZulu-Natal government to reconsider Dr Michael Sutcliffe’s appointment as governance expert for the Msunduzi Municipality.

Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, appointed Sutcliffe to support the Msunduzi municipality on Tuesday. 

He stated that this was a crucial step towards implementing a comprehensive turnaround strategy for the municipality, and that the appointment follows a sustained outcry over deteriorating municipal infrastructure and a sharp decline in business confidence in the Pietermaritzburg CBD. 

Sutcliffe is a former eThekwini municipal manager and has also worked as a local government expert, supporting municipalities across the province. His immediate task is the implementation of a turnaround plan to restore service delivery, strengthen good governance, restore investor confidence and ensure sound financial management. Recent changes to Msunduzi also include the appointment of Felani Mndebele as the new Municipal Manager on August 1. 

Buthelezi urged councillors to support Sutcliffe so that it benefits the broader Msunduzi community and all ratepayers. 

However, Srini Naidoo, a member of the MKP in MMR, demanded that Buthelezi reconsider the appointment and engage local stakeholders to identify a credible expert capable of addressing the municipality’s crises.

Naidoo described the appointment as a reckless gamble with public funds and the future of the beleaguered municipality. Naidoo, in his opinion, felt that Sutcliffe’s track record as the eThekwini municipal manager between 2002 to 2011 was questionable and that Pietermaritzburg’s challenges dwarf those of Durban.

“Msunduzi is drowning in financial chaos, with missing pension funds, unpaid debts, and a collapsing infrastructure that has driven businesses out of Pietermaritzburg’s CBD,” Naidoo said. 

He added that every rand spent on a governance expert is a rand taken from critical services—water, electricity, and roads—that the community desperately needs. 

He said that previous interventions since 2010 have failed to stabilize Msunduzi, and members of MKP have already warned that without inclusive stakeholder engagement, this latest effort will follow suit.

“We call on the residents of Msunduzi, civic organisations to join us in opposing this appointment. We will not wait for the damage to be done. The time to act is now—before this plunges our municipality deeper into chaos,” Naidoo stated. 

Sandile Dlamini, ANC councillor and Chief Whip in the Msunduzi municipality, said that the ANC was grateful and honored to be allocated Sutcliffe. He described Sutcliffe as one of the best administrators in South Africa. 

“We believe Mike will be bringing a lot of experience to the municipality. His working history is a testimony. Recently, he assisted the eThekwini municipality, which is much bigger than Msunduzi. This is our opportunity to learn from him in order to grow our municipality. He is warmly welcomed by all in the ANC,” he said. 

Jimmy Naidoo, the chairperson of the Northern Areas Residents and Ratepayers Association (NARRA) stated that they anticipate great things from Sutcliffe, who they believe comes with a strong reputation for turning things around in eThekwini Municipality.

He said that NARRA hoped that Sutcliffe can address the ongoing challenges, starting with the billing system – ensuring fairness and accuracy for all residents. He said that consequence management is key to restoring confidence and service delivery in the municipality.

“We also urge him to prioritise solutions to prolonged water outages, such as the most recent nine-day crisis, and to introduce proper systems to prevent such disruptions. Most importantly, we want to see accountability and performance management – with non-performing officials being held responsible and, where necessary, removed from positions,” the association said. 

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za